Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World

Applying to the Graduate Program

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Apply to JIAAW's Graduate Program:

Applying to the Graduate Program

Faculty, staff and current doctoral students of the Joukowsky Institute have compiled a list of questions that prospective graduate students ask us about applying to our program, or to graduate school more generally.

Our hope is that we can help demystify the application process, and help potential students think through the pros and cons of graduate school, by providing honest answers from the perspectives of those who have been through it -- on both sides of the decision-making process.

We will be updating and adding to these responses, based on additional feedback and questions. If you have suggestions or questions we have not yet addressed, please feel free to send an email to Joukowsky_Institute@brown.edu.

About the Application

To apply for admission to the doctoral program in Archaeology and the Ancient World, you must complete the online application by the deadline — usually the first Monday in January. The application is usually available starting in late September or early October, for matriculation in the following Fall. We do not accept applications at any other time.

How to Apply

Applications to Ph.D. programs at Brown University are submitted to and managed through the Graduate School.

Tips for a Successful Application

Successful applicants to our program tend to have strong transcripts and demonstrated fieldwork experience, compelling research interests, and often additional experience in museums, non-profits or other related professional environments.

Costs and Funding

At Brown, all students accepted into the Archaeology and the Ancient World doctoral program are guaranteed 6 years of funding, which includes tuition and stipend support for these academic years and summers, as well as health and dental insurance.

Whom to Contact

At Brown, applications to Ph.D. programs at Brown University are submitted to and managed through the Graduate School.

Webinar Videos

Everything You Want to Know about Applying to Graduate School in Archaeology (November 8, 2024, Profs. Laurel Bestock, Felipe Rojas, and Andrew Scherer)

Everything You Want to Know about Applying to Graduate School in Archaeology (November 8, 2023, Profs. Laurel Bestock, Yannis Hamilakis, and Andrew Scherer)

Everything You Want to Know about Applying to Graduate School in Archaeology (December 5, 2022, Profs. Laurel Bestock, Yannis Hamilakis, and Peter van Dommelen)

Applying to Graduate School in Archaeology (November 3, 2021, with Profs. Laurel Bestock, Felipe Rojas, and Peter van Dommelen)

Erynn Bentley — Applying to Graduate School in Archaeology (November 8, 2021, with Profs. Yannis Hamilakis, Candace Rice, and Peter van Dommelen)

Advice From External Websites

More from Brown

Why Go to Graduate School?

If teaching at the secondary or university level interests you; if museum work (in curatorial or administrative positions) interests you; if Cultural Resource Management or Historic Preservation interests you — then you probably need more study time and additional degrees to succeed.

Archaeology and the Ancient World Doctoral Program Requirements

The Joukowsky Institute’s Ph.D. in Archaeology and the Ancient World combines a flexible interdisciplinary atmosphere with a curricular structure that prepares students for professional careers in teaching, museum studies or other relevant occupations.